2016-11-22 • 2 Day Artisan Charcuterie Workshop

Mike McKenzie, owner of Seed to Sausage, will share his award winning Charcuterie techniques and knowledge at BioFoodTech’s 2-day Artisan Charcuterie workshop. This will provide participants with practical and technical knowledge to create small-scale artisan cured products. Topics include ingredients and ratios, proper processing techniques, equipment, and principles of fermenting, curing and dry-aging meats. Participants will also enjoy hands on practice in the pilot plant— making and testing various sausages and fermented meats., while learning how to manage microbial risks to create quality products that meet food safety and provincial regulations.
CharcuterieWorkshop.brochure.pdf

2016-11-10 • Taking Your Product Successfully to Market Workshops

Perennia is hosting and organizing a series of four workshops around Nova Scotia in November for small and medium-sized food producers and processors preparing to take a product to market, new to the food processing business or considering value-adding. The main focus of the day-and-a-half workshop is helping participants understand their responsibilities as food producers in the areas of regulations, packaging, labelling and food safety, and how to build successful partnerships with suppliers. Also covered will be how to market and sell your product successfully once it is created, including how to build relationships with retailers and wholesalers, the role of market research, how innovation and incubation can help your product, and how to develop a sales and marketing plan. Funding is being provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Dates and locations are: November 1-2 (Windsor); November 3-4 (Bridgewater); November 7-8 (Truro); and November 9-10 (Sydney).

2016-09-14 • GET CONNECTED IN CHARLOTTETOWN SEPTEMBER 14-15

Please find attached the full agenda and registration information for the Get Connected Food and Beverage Industry Conference September 14 and 15 in Charlottetown. We’re excited about the fantastic list of speakers lined up to address the key issues facing the region and our businesses, and to help the industry focus on opportunities for growth.

Since this event takes place during the PEI Shellfish Festival plan to stay a day or two extra to enjoy the festivities. In fact, if you BOOK BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6TH AND YOU COULD WIN 1 OF 4 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO FEAST AND FROLIC, the signature event of the Festival.

2016-06-26 • New York Summer Fancy Food Show

Mission & Market:

On behalf of ACOA and the Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association (AFBPA) invites your company to participate in an upcoming Export Development Mission to the New York Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City June 26 - 28, 2016.

The event showcases over 180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural, organic and more. This longstanding show attracts specialty food buyers from all over the world. 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries & regions are represented. New York Fancy Food Show is a trade-only event that includes the latest of beverages and sauces, chocolates and cheeses, cocktail mixers and condiments from 2,600 specialty food companies representing 50 countries. 2015 was the 61st year for the show, which hosted more than 22,000 attendees.

"I was so excited to be a part of the FFS. Our product has generated a lot of interest at the show, and I am confident new doors will open for us in the US market." -- Leanne Dobrota, Pure Infused Maple Syrup

Total U.S. sales of specialty food topped $109 billion in 2014, an increase of nearly 22 percent over 2012, according to this year’s State of the Specialty Food Industry report, produced by the Specialty Food Association and Mintel. Retail sales in multi-unit outlets, specialty food stores, and natural grocers hit $85.5 billion.

All interest will be reviewed but the reserve the right to limit registration to those companies that meet the criteria demanded by the nature of this particular show.

Mission features:

Pre show training, networking and a complimentary show pass are provided

Matchmaker / consulting services to facilitate buyer meetings during the show

Complete the Company Objectives and Profile Form (Section 3, attached separately from this notice) with sufficient information so we may better understand your objectives for this mission and be able to help you achieve them. Your information will be used to arrange business-to-business meetings.

Business-to-business meetings: Meetings will be arranged on a per company basis, and not on an individual basis. In order for us to identify and set up meetings with the appropriate local business partners, please provide as much information as possible on your company's objectives and profile form.

We will not begin arranging your business meetings until we have received a completed registration package.

Transportation:

It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport (unless otherwise noted in the business program). Please make sure to purchase cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket, in the event that the mission changes or is cancelled.

Accommodation:

Hotel(s) will be selected on the basis of ground transportation logistics, efficiency and value for money. Typically, (unless otherwise noted) AFPBA will establish a room block at selected hotel(s) and it will be the responsibility of each delegate to book their reservations under the room block as per instructions and contact information provided. An email confirming the hotel(s) will be sent to you at a later date.

Travel Considerations:

The Government of Canada's official travel advice (www.travel.gc.ca) includes essential information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues, including important travel health information under the Health tab. Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada, so we can contact and assist you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you about an emergency at home. If you need consular assistance, while abroad, your first point of contact should be the closest Canadian government office. Contact information can be found in the Assistance tab. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

Health & Safety:

It is strongly recommended that you consult your family physician prior to travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations (if appropriate), especially if you have a medical condition. All inoculations should be up-to-date prior to travel. For additional travel health information, please consult the Public Health Agency website at www.publichealth.gc.ca. It is your responsibility to cover any health-related costs incurred prior to and during the mission. For recent travel reports, consult the Government of Canada’s travel website at www.travel.gc.ca.

2016-06-26 • New York Summer Fancy Food Show

Mission & Market:

On behalf of ACOA and the Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association (AFBPA) invites your company to participate in an upcoming Export Development Mission to the New York Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City June 26 - 28, 2016.

The event showcases over 180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural, organic and more. This longstanding show attracts specialty food buyers from all over the world. 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries & regions are represented. New York Fancy Food Show is a trade-only event that includes the latest of beverages and sauces, chocolates and cheeses, cocktail mixers and condiments from 2,600 specialty food companies representing 50 countries. 2015 was the 61st year for the show, which hosted more than 22,000 attendees.

"I was so excited to be a part of the FFS. Our product has generated a lot of interest at the show, and I am confident new doors will open for us in the US market." -- Leanne Dobrota, Pure Infused Maple Syrup

Total U.S. sales of specialty food topped $109 billion in 2014, an increase of nearly 22 percent over 2012, according to this year’s State of the Specialty Food Industry report, produced by the Specialty Food Association and Mintel. Retail sales in multi-unit outlets, specialty food stores, and natural grocers hit $85.5 billion.

All interest will be reviewed but the reserve the right to limit registration to those companies that meet the criteria demanded by the nature of this particular show.

Mission features:

Pre show training, networking and a complimentary show pass are provided

Matchmaker / consulting services to facilitate buyer meetings during the show

Complete the Company Objectives and Profile Form (Section 3, attached separately from this notice) with sufficient information so we may better understand your objectives for this mission and be able to help you achieve them. Your information will be used to arrange business-to-business meetings.

Business-to-business meetings: Meetings will be arranged on a per company basis, and not on an individual basis. In order for us to identify and set up meetings with the appropriate local business partners, please provide as much information as possible on your company's objectives and profile form.

We will not begin arranging your business meetings until we have received a completed registration package.

Transportation:

It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport (unless otherwise noted in the business program). Please make sure to purchase cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket, in the event that the mission changes or is cancelled.

Accommodation:

Hotel(s) will be selected on the basis of ground transportation logistics, efficiency and value for money. Typically, (unless otherwise noted) AFPBA will establish a room block at selected hotel(s) and it will be the responsibility of each delegate to book their reservations under the room block as per instructions and contact information provided. An email confirming the hotel(s) will be sent to you at a later date.

Travel Considerations:

The Government of Canada's official travel advice (www.travel.gc.ca) includes essential information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues, including important travel health information under the Health tab. Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada, so we can contact and assist you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you about an emergency at home. If you need consular assistance, while abroad, your first point of contact should be the closest Canadian government office. Contact information can be found in the Assistance tab. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

Health & Safety:

It is strongly recommended that you consult your family physician prior to travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations (if appropriate), especially if you have a medical condition. All inoculations should be up-to-date prior to travel. For additional travel health information, please consult the Public Health Agency website at www.publichealth.gc.ca. It is your responsibility to cover any health-related costs incurred prior to and during the mission. For recent travel reports, consult the Government of Canada’s travel website at www.travel.gc.ca.

2016-06-23 • 7th Food Processing Conference for the Acadian Peninsula

Dear AFBPA Members & Industry Partners;

Please accept our invitation to join us in Shippagan for the upcoming Acadian Peninsula Food Processing Conference. The Conference Agenda commences June 23rd at 9 am. Doors open at 8:30 am. All details are in the attached PDF. Registration is online at http://icidici.com/atlanticfood or at the door.

7th Food Processing Conference for the Acadian Peninsula

Event Fees

Full event: includes presentations, reception luncheons & banquet

$200.00

Each additional attendee from the same organization

$100.00

Banquet Only June 23rd

$90.00

Discount for Atlantic Food & Beverage Association Members

25%

Display space for a booth or a table

$150.00

Please note that simultaneous translation will be available throughout the Conference!

2016-05-21 • National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) in Chicago

Request for Expression of Interest

THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SHOW

MAY 21 - 24, 2016

McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Join the Atlantic Canadian delegation to take part in our "Exhibitor Program" to discover new business opportunities and gather competitive market intelligence at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Illinois.

The Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association Inc. is leading an Atlantic delegation in partnerships with the four Atlantic Canadian provinces. Recruitment is now open for agri-food, seafood, and food service related companies from Atlantic Canada, interested in participating in the National Restaurant Association Show to be held from May 21-24, 2016. All interest will be reviewed but we reserve the right to limit registration to those companies that meet the criteria demanded by the nature of this particular show.

The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the largest food and hospitality events in North America targeting companies that supply the restaurant and hotel industry. It is anticipated that the show will draw participation from 1,800 companies and over 44,000 attendees.

Annual food service expenditures in the US are $681 billion, while those in Canada are $67 billion. Many Atlantic Canadian Food Processors already supply much of their production to the food service industry and it represents a huge opportunity for your company.

Complete the Registration Form (attached separately to this notice) and note that your registration fee is payable by cheque or credit card to AFPBA.

A minimum number of registered companies will be required in order for this mission to proceed. Early Registration will maximize the time available to arrange appropriate business-to-business meetings.

Complete the Company Objectives and Profile Form (attached separately to this notice) with sufficient information so we may better understand your objectives for this mission and be able to help you achieve them. Your information will be used to arrange business-to-business meetings.

Business-to-business meetings:

Meetings will be arranged on a per company basis, and not on an individual basis. In order for us to identify and set up meetings with the appropriate local business partners, please provide as much information as possible on your company's objectives and profile form.

We will not begin arranging your business meetings until we have received a completed registration package.

Transportation:

It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport (unless otherwise noted in the business program). Please make sure to purchase cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket, in the event that the mission changes or is cancelled.

Hotel(s) will be selected on the basis of ground transportation logistics, efficiency and value for money. Typically, (unless otherwise noted) AFPBA will establish a room block at selected hotel(s) and it will be the responsibility of each delegate to book their reservations under the room block as per instructions and contact information provided. An email confirming the hotel(s) will be sent to you at a later date.

Travel Considerations:

The Government of Canada's official travel advice (www.travel.gc.ca) includes essential information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other important travel issues, including important travel health information under the Health tab. Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada, so we can contact and assist you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you about an emergency at home. If you need consular assistance, while abroad, your first point of contact should be the closest Canadian government office. Contact information can be found in the Assistance tab. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted) or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

Health & Safety:

It is strongly recommended that you consult your family physician prior to travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations (if appropriate), especially if you have a medical condition. All inoculations should be up-to-date prior to travel. For additional travel health information, please consult the Public Health Agency website at www.publichealth.gc.ca. It is your responsibility to cover any health-related costs incurred prior to and during the mission. For recent travel reports, consult the Government of Canada’s travel website at www.travel.gc.ca.

2016-04-13 • 2016 Canadian Export Business Award

The 2016 Canadian Export Business Award will be presented on April 13, 2016 during the «Networking event of the Agri-Food Industry», a unique concept organized by the Agri-Food Export Group. The award, as well as paying tribute to the most deserving candidate on export markets, serves as a springboard to an enhanced reputation and increased visibility and recognition on international markets.

Among the benefits are:

Press kit sent to Canadian embassies, trade commissioner and Canadian and American media

Display of your products in a display case during the Networking Event

Presentation of the company's products in a showcase display during the three days of SIAL at the Export Group’s Pavilion

Two tickets to Networking Event

Use of “2016 Canadian Export Business Award” logo (see other benefits on the Application Form)

The Agri-Food Export Group, in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, invites you to enter the competition. This is a unique opportunity to have your company shine on the international stage—be it small, medium-sized, or large.

For more details on the Networking event of the Agri-Food Industry

For more information on the Award or on the Networking Event, please contact: Véronique Folny

2016-04-13 • Call for Interest – SIAL CANADA 2016

Call for Interest – SIAL CANADA 2016

April 13th – 15th, 2016 - Palais des congrès, Montreal

Meet Qualified Buyers from the United States

The International Food & Beverage Tradeshow

The thirteenth edition of Canada’s leading international food and beverage exhibition, SIAL Canada is coming to Montreal April 13-15, 2016 at the Palais des congrès. Following the model of SIAL Paris, the world’s largest food trade event, SIAL Canada covers all segments of the food industry including organics, private label, halal, kosher, gluten free products attracting local and foreign companies, presenting the next trends and innovations for the retail and food service markets. This annual show alternates between Montreal and Toronto and, in April 2016, it will for the first time, highlight two new sectors featuring companies in Food Service, and Supply Chain, and being part of SET Canada (Equipment and technology sector). The SET Canada sector showcases packaging, processing, store and restaurant equipment and services and is included in SIAL Canada every year.

Opportunities NB (ONB) is seeking New Brunswick agri-food, seafood and other qualifying companies to participate in an organized business mission to SIAL Canada 2016.

Key Benefits:

Showcase your products on the international stage in Canada;

Participate in world renowned international contests SIAL Innovation;

Network with key decision makers at premier international events organized by SIAL Canada;

Access up to 80 international buyers including retailers and food importers through organized matchmaking.

If you are interested in participating in this international food trade show, please contact Irenia Roussel at irenia.roussel@onbcanada.ca by January 22, 2016.

2016-03-31 • Allergen Management In Food Processing

Learn how to manage allergens within your food processing establishment, and the latest technologies to identify and control allergen contamination.

Participants will learn:

Global regulations pertaining to managing allergens

Allergen labeling requirements

Primary and secondary sources of allergens in processing

Detection methods

Cleaning & Sanitation

Best practices communicating to customers

Instructors

Ebo Budu-Amoako, PhD, Sr. Microbiologist

Ebo is an internationally recognized food microbiologist who has developed and delivered Food Safety and Quality training workshops nationally and internationally for 15 years. Ebo also has significant experience developing and implementing food inspection and HACCP systems in various countries.

Jim Landrigan, PEng, MBA, Technical Advisor

Jim has delivered training workshops on Food Safety and Quality Systems for over 10 years. As well, Jim has implemented Food Safety (HACCP) and Quality Management (ISO 9000) programs for SME food processors. He has also developed and delivered national training programs for one of the largest management consulting groups in Canada.

2016-03-30 • Controlling Vibrio In Molluscan Shellfish

One Day Workshop

For growers, harvesters and processors and anyone handling shellfish. Learn strategies for risk assessment and management to control Vibrio parahaemolyticus during growing, harvesting and processing of molluscan shellfish.

The workshop will cover:

Emerging and innovative strategies for risk management

Biology and ecosystems for V.parahaemolyticus

Primary and secondary sources of Vp

Assessing risk and management

Strategies, based on HACCP approach

Instructors

Ebo Budu-Amoako, PhD, Sr. Microbiologist

Ebo is an internationally recognized food microbiologist who has developed and delivered Food Safety and Quality training workshops nationally and internationally for 15 years. Ebo also has significant experience developing and implementing food inspection and HACCP systems in various countries.

Jim Landrigan, PEng, MBA, Technical Advisor

Jim has delivered training workshops on Food Safety and Quality Systems for over 10 years. As well, Jim has implemented Food Safety (HACCP) and Quality Management (ISO 9000) programs for SME food processors. He has also developed and delivered national training programs for one of the largest management consulting groups in Canada.

Summerside, PE

Grand Falls, NL

Truro, NS

Miramichi, NB

Feb 17

Feb 26

Mar 8

Mar 30

Topics Covered

Introduction

Importance and Responsibility for shellfish quality and safety

Overview of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp)

Molluscan shellfish rules and regulations

Evolution of shellfish Vp policies in Canada

Factors affecting Vp reservoir

Water temperature and salinity

Air temperature

Plankton

Turbidity

Farm to table continuum and factors which may affect Vp safety in molluscan shellfish

2016-03-17 • Exporting to the US? Learn How to Avoid US Taxation Surprises

Join us March 17 when Candace Sears, Senior Manager and leader of KPMG’s New Brunswick US Tax Practice, will be discussing tax considerations for companies which are currently exporting or looking to expand their operations to the United States. This webinar will focus on topics including US federal and state tax issues for corporations, permanent establishment considerations, impact of the Treaty on taxation, considerations in choosing where to focus your efforts, and consequences from cross-border employee travel.

2016-02-18 • BRC - Internal Auditor (SOLD OUT)

The Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association is pleased to offer this important food safety program, to be delivered by SAI Global.

This two-day course will allow participants to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform a BRC Internal Audit within their organization.

Registration Deadline*:SOLD OUT

*Please note - space is limited so early registration is recommended. First come, first served.

Training Date:February 18, 19 2016

Location:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Ctr

437 Prince Street, Truro, NS

“Easybook” direct link: Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors

Or

Please call Reservations at 902.895.1651 or 1.888.895.1651 or email reservations@hitrurohotel.com

BRC – Internal Auditor will be delivered in English and the program runs from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm both days.

2016-02-15 • Advanced HACCP Training (HARPC) (SOLD OUT)

This 3 day course addresses the required pre-requisite programs that under HARPC play a much more significant role in your food safety programs than they may have played in your current HACCP Programs.

We are coming to the end of a challenging year which has seen a number of significant changes in our industry and our association. This Annual General Meeting is a chance to reset the priorities and agenda for the Association. Our mission is to support the Food & Beverage industry in Atlantic Canada, so it’s critical that the needs of the membership be communicated to and understood by the AFBPA Board. With a solid understanding of the membership’s key pain points we can take action accordingly; whether it’s helping adapt to ever changing labelling laws, dealing with food safety training and certification, helping build contacts and growth in new markets, or advocating on critical issues like Temporary Foreign Workers legislation.

This Annual General Meeting is a great way to kick off that discussion and begin to lay out the plan. We will be reviewing actions taken in 2015 including new Atlantic industry research prepared on behalf our members, and a draft action plan for the coming year. All to lead into a “Town Hall” discussion about where we go from here as an association.

It’s also very important to nominate additional directors for 2016 – the strength of the organization really rests with a solid Board of Directors so please take the time to nominate someone, or yourself!

Also very important at this meeting is recognition of past Executive Director Don Newman and all the energy he put forward to help build the Association over the years.

Please plan on attending – we need and value your input. All meeting details including the minutes of last year’s AGM are attached. Fee to attend the meeting is based on cost recovery for the facility plus catering ($25.00 + HST)

If you are unable to attend you can assign your vote to the Association to vote on your behalf.

The Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association is pleased to offer this timely and relevant program, to be delivered by SAI Global. This two-day course will help participants recognize situations that may carry a risk for intentional food contamination and develop effective preventative approach to assess and avoid those risks.

Registration

*Please note - space is limited so early registration is recommended. First come, first served.